Technology · India Bureau
Budget 5G smartphones disappear from Indian market amid price surge
Entry-level 5G handsets that retailed for ₹10,000 have vanished from India's smartphone market, with equivalent models now priced at ₹20,000 or higher. The sharp price escalation has narrowed consumer choices in the budget segment.
LSN India ·
The Indian smartphone market has witnessed a significant contraction in the budget segment, with affordable 5G devices becoming increasingly scarce. Handsets that were available at the ₹10,000 price point just a year ago are now commanding prices double that amount, forcing cost-conscious consumers to spend considerably more for comparable specifications.
The disappearance of ultra-budget 5G phones has shifted the entry-level market upward, with ₹20,000-₹25,000 emerging as the new baseline for reasonably-equipped smartphones. This pricing realignment has narrowed the range of options available to consumers seeking affordable handsets with modern connectivity standards.
Industry analysts attribute the price surge to multiple factors, including supply chain pressures, component costs, and evolving market dynamics. Manufacturers have reportedly rationalized their product portfolios, discontinuing lower-margin budget models in favor of devices positioned at higher price points.
The trend raises concerns about affordability for price-sensitive buyers and whether further price increases may be on the horizon. As the market consolidates around higher price brackets, questions persist about the accessibility of 5G technology for India's broader consumer base.